What happened
On January 12, 2014, a Piper PA-46-500TP, registration PR-LAX, was performing a scheduled ferry flight from Fazenda Conforto (SNXR) to Mundico Coelho (SNMD) in the state of Pará, Brazil. During the takeoff roll, the pilot observed cattle crossing the runway directly in the aircraft's path.
As the aircraft approached rotation speed, the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff and maneuver the aircraft to the left to avoid the animals. During this maneuver, the aircraft's landing gear struck a significant rise in the terrain on the left side of the runway. This initial impact caused a loss of control, leading the aircraft to strike trees located along the runway periphery. The impact with the trees was severe enough to tear the right wing from the airframe and cause substantial damage to the propeller, fuselage, and landing gear. The pilot escaped the wreckage uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the operational conditions of the private airstrip and the pilot's decision-making process. Investigators examined the physical state of the runway at Fazenda Conforto, noting that while the strip was dry and had sufficient length, the surface was irregular and lacked a proper safety area or overrun zone. The investigation also reviewed the perimeter fencing, which was found to be inadequate in preventing large livestock from entering the runway area. Furthermore, the investigation analyzed the pilot's flight planning and the decision to operate at an airfield known to have hazardous terrain and obstacles.